Following in the footsteps of Andrew "don't taze me, bro" Meyer, the Colorado State University student newspaper's editorial board expressed their first amendment rights (http://media.www.collegian.com/media/storage/paper864/news/2007/09/21/News/Taser.This-2984348.shtml) today:


TASER THIS
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: News

F**k BUSH

This is the view of the Collegian editorial board.

Apprently they, along with notables such as Joe Conason at Salon.com, "Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, who is regularly arrested for protesting at public events" and Chris Matthews of Hardball shame all see Bush at the core (http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2007/09/21/free_speech/) of this poor, innocent slob's shock treatment for merely 'exercising his first amendment rights.'

Is Bush to blame for this schmuck getting Tazed, or has Bush Derangement Syndrome (BDS) reached new highs (or lows)?

I believe that the BDS has reached a new ridiculous high, with probably more antics to follow. Apparently that poor stupid schmuck (in the true sense of the word), has a reputation as a prankster, and in this pre-planned act gained his 15 minutes of fame. Reports indicate that once out of camera range he appeared sane and friendly to the cops. Let's face it, GWB is to blame for everything bad that has befallen the human race in the last 7 years, from Global Warming, the death of Anna Nicole Smith, and to the fact that Rosie O. is a fat troll. It was also reported that this event was the most electrifying performance give by John Kerry.

While I don't condone excessive use of force, from the multiple videos available, this guy had a choice. He knew what he was doing. Has he not ever seen an episode of COPS?
Has he ever been to a bar or nightclub? You cause a comotion, and they are not going to plead with you to just please go.

Yes the diagnosis is BDS.

He said that Kerry had 2 hours to speak and he was going to have his turn.
He was going to "inform" us.
He asked multiple questions and did not give Kerry a second to reply.
"Don't you want to be president?," he asked of Kerry. Like duuuh, why would he run for president in the first place?
He just went on ranting.
Then comments from the audience like "rodney king" and other people getting up in the face of the campus police. Don't they have any common sense?




Grace and Peace

I don't think Bush is to blame for this. He's not the best, but he's not the worst either. People will always complain about any president. I think this kid knew what he was doing. He was maybe trying to get tasered or at least make a scene. Security could have though he was a threat. I mean, we're in a war right now; safety is on everyone's mind. The guy who tasered him probably thought it was better to be safe then sorry. The kid was being rude, anyway. There is a right way and a wrong way to do stuff. Harassing a politician is the wrong way.

Didn't you know? EVERYTHING is Bush's fault! EVERYTHING! Got the flu? Bush. Late to work? Bush. Got tazed because you are an attention wh**e? Bush.

I say this and I'm not even a Bush supporter...

Ok, I'm normally not really into politics and all, but think about this. True, every one has the freedom to the first amendment (freedom of speech) However, that can be taken too literally. In my opinion, he (the student) deserved to get tased as it was put. Because even though he was expressing his right to the first amendment, he should be careful what he says, especially when it comes to talking about the president.

We may all have that right freedom of speech, but its only to a certain point. Freedom of speech wouldn't allow you to go into a crowded theater and scream "fire" when there isn't one. In reality, if someone wants to express there opinions about the president, they really should keep it to themselves, especially if it something like that.

FWIW, I don't think his right to free speech was taken away. He went over his time limit and his mic was shut off (fair enough). Then an officer went to take the mic away and he became belligerent. He lunged at the stage a few times and resisted being removed from the room. He was tazed (in my opinion) because he could have been a threat to the others in the room, and oh yeah, let's not forget there was a FREAKIN' SENATOR on the stage! Come on, it wasn't Paula Deen sharing her best cookie recipe, it was a SENATOR! There's a lot of loonies in this world, how could they know he wasn't going to rush the stage or cause physical harm to someone.

Then the nasty part of me says he was an attention wh**e and deserved it, but that's not what this is really about, lol! :)

You should see what happens away from the camera when a clown runs onto a baseball field. John Stewart called the incident a combination of police over-reaction and what appears to be student douche-baggery.But he missed the basic point ;resist arrest /get zapped it's as simple as that . To me it is a much better way to deal with this situation then the old billy club days .

"Tonight we talk about the video we've all seen, the video of the University of Florida student, Andrew Meyer, being tasered at a John Kerry speech. By the way, considered one of the most pleasant outcomes of attending a Kerry speech. Many people, from what I've seen, choose to be tasered.” –Jon Stewart

resist arrest /get zapped it's as simple as that . To me it is a much better way to deal with this situation then the old billy club days.

I thought that was shockingly obvious :)


"Tonight we talk about the video we've all seen, the video of the University of Florida student, Andrew Meyer, being tasered at a John Kerry speech. By the way, considered one of the most pleasant outcomes of attending a Kerry speech. Many people, from what I've seen, choose to be tasered.” –Jon Stewart

LOL, that must be what else the cameras didn't catch, all the folks in the audience yelling "taze me, bro."

Following in the footsteps of Andrew "don't taze me, bro" Meyer, the Colorado State University student newspaper's editorial board expressed their first amendment rights (http://media.www.collegian.com/media/storage/paper864/news/2007/09/21/News/Taser.This-2984348.shtml) today:



Apprently they, along with notables such as Joe Conason at Salon.com, "Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, who is regularly arrested for protesting at public events" and Chris Matthews of Hardball shame all see Bush at the core (http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2007/09/21/free_speech/) of this poor, innocent slob's shock treatment for merely 'exercising his first amendment rights.'

Is Bush to blame for this schmuck getting Tazed, or has Bush Derangement Syndrome (BDS) reached new highs (or lows)?
What the president is doing is chipping away at liberty, so I fully agree with the editorial right to voice said opinion.
How about the Presidents total contempt for the American people that he displayed by sticking his middle finger towards camera just prior to a presidential address?

I thought that was shockingly obvious :)


Quote:
Originally Posted by tomder55
resist arrest /get zapped it's as simple as that . To me it is a much better way to deal with this situation then the old billy club days.

I thought that was shockingly obvious

LOL, that must be what else the cameras didn't catch, all the folks in the audience yelling "taze me, bro."


Right, and those darned rebels at Kent State got what they deserved!
;)

As for the "F**K BUSH" bit.. .

I prefer to view it as both a double entendre and as a reminder that all work and no play makes Growler's Significant Other woefully undersexed. :D

What the president is doing is chipping away at liberty, so I fully agree with the editorial right to voice said opinion.
How about the Presidents total contempt for the American people that he displayed by sticking his middle finger towards camera just prior to a presidential address?

For crying out loud, every reporter in attendance at that event went on record in Bush's defense and said that it was most definitely his thumb and not his middle finger.

Look, if you want to hate our Mental Midget In Chief, then hate him for the things he *HAS* done to abrogate our rights.. . Not for the imagined slights promulgated by the Left Wing media and Late Night entertainers.

Right, and those darned rebels at Kent State got what they deserved!
;)


Gawd, you really think so?

Ahem.

You're kind of sick in the head there, DC.

For crying out loud, every reporter in attendance at that event went on record in Bush's defense and said that it was most definitely his thumb and not his middle finger.

Look, if you want to hate our Mental Midget In Chief, then hate him for the things he *HAS* done to abrogate our rights. . . Not for the imagined slights promulgated by the Left Wing media and Late Night entertainers.
I wasn’t there, I don’t know for sure, I only saw a picture... and it was with a middle finger extended. Either way, and I really don’t care whether he did or didn’t, I don’t like him.:D

Gawd, you really think so?

Ahem.

You're kinda sick in the head there, DC.
No, I don’t really think so, any more than I believe the Colorado State University student should have been tasered.

How about the handling of the student arrested at the airport with the hoax bomb, claiming to be an "artistic expression"?? The extraordinary acts of stupidity have risen to new lows.

No, I don’t really think so, any more than I believe the Colorado State University student should have been tasered.

Well, you know what they say about opinions and a certain orifice, right?

Anyhow...

I stand by my original appraisal, you're kind of sick in the head.

HAND!!

Well, you know what they say about opinions and a certain orifice, right?

Anyhow....

I stand by my original appraisal, you're kinda sick in the head.

HAND!!!!
I’ll take that as a complement...

How about the handling of the student arrested at the airport with the hoax bomb, claiming to be an "artistic expression"?!?! The extraordinary acts of stupidity have risen to new lows.
That is as illogical as comparing what the student did to shouting fire in a crowded movie theater; which has been done.

The extraordinary acts of stupidity have risen to new lows.
Dark, just focus on the last sentence here

I’ll take that as a complement...


Exactly.

I rest my case.

DC - You have always struck me as a very intelligent person, well versed in history, and capable of rational thought. Some of your comments in this thread disappoint me. Your apparent willingness to accept an idiot as a spokesman, merely because he shares your views is not something that I am not able to do. Your acceptance as fact, things which are not proven, merely because of your dislike for GWB lead me to reconsider my earlier opinion.

DC - You have always struck me as a very intelligent person, well versed in history, and capable of rational thought. Some of your comments in this thread disappoint me. Your apparent willingness to accept an idiot as a spokesman, merely because he shares your views is not something that I am not able to do. Your acceptance as fact, things which are not proven, merely because of your dislike for GWB lead me to reconsider my earlier opinion.
Dr D

I’m a little confused, who is the ‘spokesman’ I am supposed to support and what fact that is not in evidence have I accepted?

I wasn’t there, I don’t know for sure, I only saw a picture... and it was with a middle finger extended. Either way, and I really don’t care whether he did or didn’t, I don’t like him.

Please excuse me for not having mastered the Quote feature; so I did cut and paste for your statement.

You apparently support the actions of the tasered prankster as an absolute RIGHT. That would mean that anyone can speak, yell, refuse to leave, refuse the lawful orders of the police, at any time, at any place, without any consequences.

I wasn't there, I don't know for sure, I only saw a picture...and it was with a middle finger extended. Either way, and I really don't care whether he did or didn't, I don't like him.

Please excuse me for not having mastered the Quote feature; so I did cut and paste for your statement.

You apparently support the actions of the tasered prankster as an absolute RIGHT. That would mean that anyone can speak, yell, refuse to leave, refuse the lawful orders of the police, at any time, at any place, without any consequences.
The student was at the microphone, as I understood it, and ask a number of sequential questions; security came and told him he had to leave... at that time Kerry said, "no, it's alright I would like to answer the question." That took place on a news video I saw.

I don't know what the questions were, so I can't say whether I support his position or not, but I do support both the students and Kerrys right to speak.


I wasn't there, I don't know for sure, I only saw a picture...and it was with a middle finger extended. Either way, and I really don't care whether he did or didn't, I don't like him.
My point here was that I did not care whether Bush did or did not flip a birdie, my evaluation of him did not hinge on whether he did or did not.

The student was at the microphone, as I understood it, and ask a number of sequential questions; security came and told him he had to leave...at that time Kerry said, "no, it’s alright I would like to answer the question." That took place on a news video I saw.

Kerry caved; he didn't want to look like the bad guy (typical politician - but, he and his team set the rules for questioning )
That student knew the forum and the rules, but didn't play by those rules that he'd already agreed to, so...


I don’t know what the questions were, so I can’t say whether I support his position or not, but I do support both the students and Kerrys right to speak.

.. what ever questions he had... don't matter. He was unruly and got put in his place.
He's a habitual defiant.



My point here was that I did not care whether Bush did or did not flip a birdie, my evaluation of him did not hinge on whether he did or did not.

Have you never seen a picture altered for the sake of comedy or political satire..?

HAND!!

Kerry caved; he didn't want to look like the bad guy (typical politician - but, he and his team set the rules for questioning )
That student knew the forum and the rules, but didn't play by those rules that he'd already agreed to, so...



..what ever questions he had... don't matter. He was unruly and got put in his place.
He's a habitual defiant.



Have you never seen a picture altered for the sake of comedy or political satire...?!?!

HAND!!!!
CR

He ask 2 more questions than the stipulated 1... that happens all the time.


Yes, I know photos can be altered.. that is why I prefaced my comment with, “I wasn’t there, I don’t know for sure...”:rolleyes:

Kerry caved; he didn't want to look like the bad guy (typical politician - but, he and his team set the rules for questioning )

So your into mind reading are you, what makes you believe Kerry simply would not have liked to respond? If he caved it was in about 5 seconds. :rolleyes:

We are all free to view the events, and draw conclusions as to the motivation of those involved. The only Fact of the case is that the young man REFUSED to abide by the decision of the moderators who shut off his mike. He, and he alone caused the situation to escalate. Your circular reasoning tires me.

Well of course Andrew Meyer being tazered was all Bush's fault. So were Huricane Katrina and Global Warming. Shrillary Clintoon flashing her cleavage (a national disaster if I ever saw one) was Bush's fault. Ahmad-genocide's rants against Israel and the Holocaust are Bush's fault. Being cold in the winter and hot in the summer is Bush's fault. EVERYTHING is Bush's fault. Didn't you know that? Bush is the smartest, dumbest, most evil, most naïve, most powerful, weakest, most influential, least popular President in history... all at the same time.

Right, and those darned rebels at Kent State got what they deserved!
;)

And like the Branch Davidians, eh? What does Kent State have to do with this? Is arson and violence protected expression? The guy resisted arrest, charged toward a US Senator and got tazed. What the heck did he think was going to happen, be offered a muffin and a cup of coffee?

What the president is doing is chipping away at liberty, so I fully agree with the editorial right to voice said opinion.
How about the Presidents total contempt for the American people that he displayed by sticking his middle finger towards camera just prior to a presidential address?

That was without a doubt his thumb. He did flip the bird while he was governor, though. Look DC, I'm not arguing the CSU doesn't have the right to "voice" that opinion, but I certainly question the propriety of it. If that's what our future media think is 'journalism' then the already pathetic state of the media is only going to get worse. If they can't express an intelligent argument they need a new major and CSU needs to work on their journalism department.

As to Bush "chipping away at liberty" one can argue that, but it offends me when I see those on the left argue for that while supporting speech codes, political correctness, taking more of my money to give to someone else and trying to regulate everything from smoking bans on private property to transfats and everything they think we can't decide on for ourselves in between. Seniors were out protesting in NY because they decided to ban doughnuts at the senior citizen center (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ieEv-w28GZrsts9U1-tKCcTFwT7w).

Don't talk to me about Bush "chipping away at liberty" unless you're prepared to talk about the rights that are being eroded from the left.

Seniors were out protesting in NY because they decided to ban doughnuts at the senior citizen center (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ieEv-w28GZrsts9U1-tKCcTFwT7w).


I missed that one. This is hilarious. Are the libs worried that 86-year-olds are going to die an "early death" because of trans-fats?

Sometimes the libs make for great humor.

I missed that one. This is hilarious. Are the libs worried that 86-year-olds are going to die an "early death" because of trans-fats?

Sometimes the libs make for great humor.

Did you read the article? Absolutely they're worried about that, and apparently this writer is, too since he went to the trouble of quoting Communists for Science in the Public Interest.


"Senior citizens can walk down to the store and buy doughnuts. Nobody's stopping them," said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington.

But he notes that older people have high rates of heart disease and high blood pressure and says senior citizen centers, nursing homes and assisted-living centers should not be worsening the health problems of seniors.

I'm all for providing balanced nutrition, but as far as I'm concerned if someone's made it to 86 years old they can have all the damn donuts they want, they've earned it.

That was without a doubt his thumb. He did flip the bird while he was governor, though. Look DC, I'm not arguing the CSU doesn't have the right to "voice" that opinion, but I certainly question the propriety of it. If that's what our future media think is 'journalism' then the already pathetic state of of the media is only going to get worse. If they can't express an intelligent argument they need a new major and CSU needs to work on their journalism department.

As to Bush "chipping away at liberty" one can argue that, but it offends me when I see those on the left argue for that while supporting speech codes, political correctness, taking more of my money to give to someone else and trying to regulate everything from smoking bans on private property to transfats and everything they think we can't decide on for ourselves in between. Seniors were out protesting in NY because they decided to ban doughnuts at the senior citizen center (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ieEv-w28GZrsts9U1-tKCcTFwT7w).

Don't talk to me about Bush "chipping away at liberty" unless you're prepared to talk about the rights that are being eroded from the left.
So far as Journalism is concerned, the student was going after facts and had good questions, that sometimes calls for activism. If no one acted-up, blacks would still be using different public places, women would still be at home and gays still in the closet... but then there are people who would love life that way.

You see the incident as a left-right issue, in fact you like many others see most political incidents as a left-right issue, the thing with me is I don’t see any real important difference.

Some of the ‘chipping away’ of rights is written in the instructions to law enforcement for handling political descent coming from the Presidents office; which these police officers complied with.

I find this whole incident " reminiscent of Genghis Khan". I think Kerry hired the rent-a -cops. He certainly didn't protest and instead droned on as if nothing was happening in front of him .

Seriously ;does anyone have confirmation that this was police or was it campus security ?

I find this whole incident " reminiscent of Genghis Khan". I think Kerry hired the rent-a -cops. He certainly didn't protest and instead droned on as if nothing was happening in front of him .

Seriously ;does anyone have confirmation that this was police or was it campus security ?
I don't know, but I don't think they were city police; campus security, as you call it, are people with real police powers... think of the University as a city with-in a city. I am however sure we have not heard the last of this and so will be hearing more. Many cities have banned the use of tasers (but not stun guns) because they have been the cause of many deaths.

P.S. edit I'm not even sure it was a taser, it may have only been a stun gun

I find this whole incident " reminiscent of Genghis Khan". I think Kerry hired the rent-a -cops. He certainly didn't protest and instead droned on as if nothing was happening in front of him .

Seriously ;does anyone have confirmation that this was police or was it campus security ?

As I understand it, it was University police which generally have full police powers on school property.

There are a lot of tangential issues . One being it is absurd that the police could not subdue this clown without the use of props. I saw the video and a couple of them are women Did they have the physical strength to handle him without the use of a device ? If not ;why not ?

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070918/capt.f6792d54ccb54548bb19e25f8932d9b4.student_arre sted_kerry_flgif101.jpg

I do know that there is no comparison here to Kent State. I find it more comparable to an attention monger who runs on a ball field .Believe me they would prefer getting zapped to the therapeutic massage they receive as an alternative.

BTW ;I hear Kerry recommended him for a Purple Heart .

There are alot of tangential issues . One being it is absurd that the police could not subdue this clown without the use of props. I saw the video and a couple of them are women Did they have the physical strength to handle him without the use of a device ? If not ;why not ?

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070918/capt.f6792d54ccb54548bb19e25f8932d9b4.student_arre sted_kerry_flgif101.jpg

I do know that there is no comparison here to Kent State. I find it more comparable to an attention monger who runs on a ball field .Believe me they would prefer getting zapped to the therapeutic massage they receive as an alternative.

BTW ;I hear Kerry recommended him for a Purple Heart .
The Kent State comment had to do with over-reaction, not results; so it is applicable in the sense I meant it.

Frankly your picture is disingenuous, why didn’t you show the one with him down on his back and six or seven officers over him.

The Kent State comment had to do with over-reaction, not results; so it is applicable in the sense I meant it.

Having reread the exchange and the context in which you made the "Kent State comment", I'm just not buying your explanation, DC.


Frankly your picture is disingenuous, why didn’t you show the one with him down on his back and six or seven officers over him.


What difference would a different picture make, DC?

He behaved badly, ignored the very rules of debate he agreed to when selected to ask his questions, ignored the lawful order of Law Enforcement Officers and then proceeded to resist his lawful removal from the premises by the Law Enforcement Officers.

I ask you again, What difference would a different picture make?

Having reread the exchange and the context in which you made the "Kent State comment", I'm just not buying your explanation, DC.



What difference would a different picture make, DC?

He behaved badly, ignored the very rules of debate he agreed to when selected to ask his questions, ignored the lawful order of Law Enforcement Officers and then proceeded to resist his lawful removal from the premises by the Law Enforcement Officers.

I ask you again, What difference would a different picture make?







You're kinda sick in the head there, DC.

I think we operate on levels far to removed from each other for us to chat; let’s leave it at that.

I think we operate on levels far to removed from each other for us to chat; let’s leave it at that.

Then might I suggest you exercise your inalienable right to add me to your ignore list?

Seriously.

I ask you again, What difference would a different picture make?

Everyone is going to interpret the images how they want. I see what you described, "He behaved badly, ignored the very rules of debate he agreed to when selected to ask his questions, ignored the lawful order of Law Enforcement Officers and then proceeded to resist his lawful removal from the premises by the Law Enforcement Officers."

I also see that before he threw a fit, acted like an a$$ and resisted arrest the police tried to escort him away calmly. If you watch the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bVa6jn4rpE) you'll also hear a woman officer tell him several times to "stop resisting" followed by what sounds like "what did he say, stop resisting," then a male officer warning him "you will be tased if you do not" - and I believe comply was the next word. Then while still resisting (and after Kerry's horrible joke) Meyer yells "get the f**k off of me." Well guess what? He got tased. He deserved it.

Everyone is going to interpret the images how they want. I see what you described, "He behaved badly, ignored the very rules of debate he agreed to when selected to ask his questions, ignored the lawful order of Law Enforcement Officers and then proceeded to resist his lawful removal from the premises by the Law Enforcement Officers."

I also see that before he threw a fit, acted like an a$$ and resisted arrest the police tried to escort him away calmly. If you watch the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bVa6jn4rpE) you'll also hear a woman officer tell him several times to "stop resisting" followed by what sounds like "what did he say, stop resisting," then a male officer warning him "you will be tased if you do not" - and I believe comply was the next word. Then while still resisting (and after Kerry's horrible joke) Meyer yells "get the f**k off of me." Well guess what? He got tased. He deserved it.
I think many here are missing the real issue, certainty after the police told him to leave he became a jerk; the questionable injustice was stopping him in the first place.

the questionable injustice was stopping him in the first place.

Not if he agreed to the terms of the debate/forum.

Not if he agreed to the terms of the debate/forum.
Well we will just have to wait and see where it goes. The State is going to do an investigation of the police department and two officers have been suspended.

Kerry, D-Mass. said Tuesday he regretted that a healthy discussion was interrupted, and said he never had a dialogue end that way in 37 years of public appearances.

"Whatever happened, the police had a reason, had made their decision that there was something they needed to do. Then it's a law enforcement issue, not mine," he told The Associated Press in Washington.

Here is an interesting take

“I was at the Kerry speech today, sitting 2 rows away from all the action. I'll let you know how it really went down.

Eyewitness Account of Taser Incident at Kerry Speech « Animam Recro (http://animamrecro.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/eyewitness-account-of-taser-incident-at-kerry-speech/)

Frankly your picture is disingenuous, why didn’t you show the one with him down on his back and six or seven officers over him.

Actually, I think the picture is perfect - it shows him moving in the direction OF THE STAGE. Kind of explains why six or seven officers tackled him.


Well we will just have to wait and see where it goes. The State is going to do an investigation of the police department and two officers have been suspended.

Yes, suspended with pay... big downer for the officers, big punishment, too.

I think many here are missing the real issue, certainty after the police told him to leave he became a jerk; the questionable injustice was stopping him in the first place.

I am trying to follow your line of reasoning to its inevitable conclusion: That any person should be allowed to express their views, at any forum, for whatever length of time they deem necessary, without interruption. Correct?

What if I chose to present a rambling solioquy (offensive or not), at the funeral or wedding service of a beloved member of your family? What if I chose to do the same at your daughter's college commencement ceremony? At what point would you say enough is enough, or would you?

I can understand the valid examples of civil disobedience that you have cited. The sad Kent State incident was a result of kids, not old enough to shave, being in a situation that neither side could handle. The exuberance of youth, and perhaps an excess of testosterone, can, if unchecked result in bad results. This is the real world, and not an academic exercise.

Here is an interesting take

“I was at the Kerry speech today, sitting 2 rows away from all the action. I’ll let you know how it really went down.

Well, does this account in any way change your opinion of how the situation was handled?

BTW, if you have issues with the attributions, or lack of, don't sweat it, I have issues as well.

Also -- FWIW, I have issues with the use of Tasers by law enforcement in general and in this instance in particular.

Was it really necessary to use a Taser with six officers on the scene?

I don't think so.

Then again, since the Taser has replaced the baton among LEO's, the outcome could have been very, very different.

Then again, since the Taser has replaced the baton among LEO's, the outcome could have been very, very different.
Very valid point, growler. And I'd like someone to tell me, what would have been different if the LEO's had let that guy get any closer and perhaps made contact with the esteemed Senator? Or one of his staff?

Chances are, the people that were there to protect everyone at that forum would be subject to legal action. Even if someone wasn't touched or harmed, only traumatized by the events.

This entire incident has seen enough air-time, both here and on the networks, to fill volumes! Some will always favor "his" version, and other will always be able to accept the reality of what actually transpired.

Chances are, the people that were there to protect everyone at that forum would be subject to legal action. Even if someone wasn't touched or harmed, only traumatized by the events.

Yes, because god forbid someone get their feelings hurt, or get scared... Sad, really.

Yes, because god forbid someone get their feelings hurt, or get scared.... Sad, really.
Sometimes that's all it takes... LOL

Well, does this account in any way change your opinion of how the situation was handled?

BTW, if you have issues with the attributions, or lack of, don't sweat it, I have issues as well.

Also -- FWIW, I have issues with the use of Tasers by law enforcement in general and in this instance in particular.

Was it really necessary to use a Taser with six officers on the scene?

I don't think so.

Then again, since the Taser has replaced the baton among LEO's, the outcome could have been very, very different.
Yes, it makes all the difference in the world; it accounts for why the police happened to be standing behind the student when the video started, that bothered me. It also explains why they were telling him to stop and leave the makeshift podium when he had just begun asking a question.

Yes, it makes all the difference in the world; it accounts for why the police happened to be standing behind the student when the video started, that bothered me. It also explains why they were telling him to stop and leave the makeshift podium when he had just begun asking a question.

Good grief DC, did you watch the video? I did furnish one video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bVa6jn4rpE), here it is from another angle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgrFSHZfD1o) from the beginning of his escapade.

Where should the police be, at the back of the room? He rambled for 30 seconds, it wasn't exactly "just begun to ask a question."

Neither shows the student running to the front of the line, one starts with Kerry and pans to the student standing, the other starts with the student.

Neither shows the student running to the front of the line, one starts with Kerry and pans to the student standing, the other starts with the student.

How many angles do you need DC? Here is yet another (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnxK5S7--w8), beginning with Meyer breaking free from the police and running back in the direction of the Senator. That makes him a threat to a US Senator.

Can someone post the eye-witness account here. I can't read it because of the firewalls on my computer.

Elliot

Can someone post the eye-witness account here. I can't read it because of the firewalls on my computer.

Elliot


Daily Kos: Eyewitness Account of the Student Tazering (http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/18/10649/5334)


Eyewitness Account of UF's Andrew Meyer Tasering Disputes Police Brutality Claim (http://www.thebizofknowledge.com/2007/09/eyewitness_account_of_ufs_andr.html)


UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA OTR: Some Eyewitness Accounts Support Mallo's Police Report (http://www.collegeotr.com/university_of_florida/eye_witness_accounts_support_mallos_police_report_ 3840) [See related posts at bottom of the website]


Michelle Malkin » Student tasered at John Kerry forum Update: A University of Florida student/eyewitness shares what he saw; 12:15 pm Eastern 9/18 update: Another UF student speaks; Update: UF president schedules 2pm press conference…plus: Andr (http://michellemalkin.com/2007/09/17/student-tasered-at-john-kerry-forum/)





Bobby

Transcript


JOHN KERRY:
"and to continue to pile name upon name upon some wall in the future for a strategy that has failed - that's the distinction.
Sir (Points to Andrew Meyer at microphone)"

ANDREW MEYER:
"I fir..I first and foremost want to thank you for your time. You spent a lot of time talking to us here today. I want to thank you for coming and being open and honest. Uh, you recommended a book to us earlier, I wanted to recommend a book to you it's called 'Armed Madhouse by Greg Palast'"

JOHN KERRY:
"Yeah, I have it actually..."

ANDREW MEYER:
"Yeah, he's the top investigative journalist in America..."

JOHN KERRY:
"I've already read it..."

ANDREW MEYER:
"and he says you won the 2004 election..."

JOHN KERRY:
"Right..."

ANDREW MEYER:
"Isn't that amazing! Isn't that amazing, you won in 2004! In fact, there were multiple reports on the day of the election of disenfranchisement of black voters in Florida and Ohio."

FEMALE OFFICER:
(to Andrew Meyer)
"Ask the question. Ask the question. Last question. Ask the question."


ANDREW MEYER:
"I'll ask my question. Thank you very much.
I'll ask my question. I'm going to preface it.
He's been talking for two hours, I think I could have 2 minutes.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Alright I'm gonna ask him my question... I'm going to inform people and them I'm going to ask him my question.
So there were multiple reports of disenfranchisement of black voters on the day of the election in 2004 there was also voting machines, electronic voting machines in Okaloosa county in Florida that counted backwards.
So amidst all these reports of phoney, bogus stuff going on, how could you concede the election on the day?
How could you concede the 2004 election on the day?
In this book it says there were 5 million votes that were suppressed and you won the election.
Didn't you want to be President?
I'm not even done yet. I have 2 more questions
If you are so against Iran how come you're not saying
Let's impeach Bush now.
Impeach Bush now before he can invade Iran.
Why don't we impeach him? Impeach Bush.
Clinton was impeached, for what a blowjob, why don't we Impeach bush?
Alright..
Also, are you a member... were you a member of Skull & Bones in college with Bush? Were you in the same secret society as Bush?
Were you in Skull & Bones?
(Mic Cut)
(Andrew steps away, back and left, from the mic)
Thank you for cutting my mic.
Thank you."


(Female Officer grabs Andrew Meyer's right arm)

ANDREW MEYER:
"Are you going to arrest me?
Excuse me?"

(Female Office grabs Andrew Meyer's left shoulder)

FEMALE OFFICER:
"Stop. Stop it son."

ANDREW MEYER:
"Excuse me?
What are you arresting me for?"

(Male officer grabs Andrew Meyer's right arm with both hands and forces him forward)


ANDREW MEYER:
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"

(Female officer leading Andrew Meyer away on left side with both hands holding left arm, Male office leading Andrew Meyer away on right side with both hands holding right arm)

ANDREW MEYER:
"Is anybody watching this?
I'm not doing it!"

(Inaudible)
(Audience applauds)

ANDREW MEYER:
"Get off me! Get off Me!"

(Andrew Meyer pulls back)
(officer's grab the front of his shirt)
(Third officer pushes him from behind left shoulder)

ANDREW MEYER:
"Hey!
What the are you doing?
Hey!
What are you doing? What are you doing?
What is going on here? What is going on here?
I want to stand and listen to the answer to my question!
Why are you arresting me for asking...?"

(Black Officer lifts Andrew Meyer by the waistband)

ANDREW MEYER:
"HELP! HELP! HELP!
Are you kidding? They're arresting me!
HELP!
What have I done?"

(4 Officers pin Andrew Meyer to the floor)

ANDREW MEYER:
"HELP!
Get off of me. I didn't do anything.
HELP!
HELP ME!
HELP!
They're arresting me!
Taser?"

MALE OFFICER:
"You will be tased if you do not comply!"

FEMALE AUDIENCE MEMBER:
"He's got a taser on his chest I mean..."

CAMERA WOMAN:
"This really is ridiculous..."

ANOTHER FEMALE VOICE OFF CAMERA:
"He's an idiot."

MALE OFFICER:
"You will be tased if you do not comply."

(Commotion noises and inaudible voices and inaudible John Kerry)

MALE OFFICER:
"Roll on your stomach... Put your hands behind your back or you will be tased."

FEMALE OFFICE:
"Push down... Do it now!"

ANDREW MEYER:
"Please don't!"

JOHN KERRY:
"I think if everybody would just hold on a sec(INAUDIBLE)
This situation (INAUDIBLE)..."

MALE OFFICER:
"You don't have an option!"

ANDREW MEYER:
"Let me just stand up!"

MALE OFFICER:
"Roll on your stomach!"

(Andrew Meyer rolls over and 6 officers - 4 on torso 2 on legs - push him down to the floor on his stomach)

JOHN KERRY:
"I'll answer his question, and um, well, unfortunately he's not available to come up here and swear me in as President."


(Andrew Meyer's right wrist is handcuffed behind his back)

ANDREW MEYER:
"Why are they arresting me?
Would somebody do something here?
I'm being Arrested!"


JOHN KERRY:
"Uh, Let me just say that, because it is a very important question..."

ANDREW MEYER:
"What did I do?
Get off me!"

MALE OFFICER:
"Give me the other hand!"

ANDREW MEYER:
"Get the off me man!
I didn't do anything!"

MALE OFFICER:
"Tase him!"

ANDREW MEYER:
"Don't tase me bro!
Don't tase me!
I didn't do anything!"

MALE OFFICER:
"Roll over!"

(Taser clicking 3 seconds)

ANDREW MEYER:
(SCREAMING)
"Ow...Ow...Ow...Ow...Ow...Ow...Ow...
Let me go... let me go..."


FEMALE AUDIENCE MEMBER:
"Stop! Stop it! Stop!"

MALE OFFICER:
"Get back now!"

FEMALE AUDIENCE MEMBER:
"No. Why?... Why are you doing that?"

ANDREW MEYER:
"Oh my God!
Why are you guys doing this?
What did I do?"

FEMALE OFFICER:
"Back up Back up!"

FEMALE AUDIENCE MEMBER:
"Why are you doing this?
What did he do?
Why?"

(Officers lift handcuffed Andrew Meyer and force him out the door)

ANDREW MEYER:
"What did I do?
What did I do?
What..."


__________________________________________



Bobby

Can someone post the eye-witness account here. I can't read it because of the firewalls on my computer.

Elliot

Here's the Daily Kos account Bobby linked to:


"I was at the Kerry speech today, sitting 2 rows away from all the action. I'll let you know how it really went down.



The forum was going to be over at 2 pm, and Kerry spoke for so long that the Q and A portion had to be shortened. He only got through about 7 of the 50 people who were waiting to ask questions. While the final question was being read, some douchebag ran down the aisle, grabbed the mic from the other side of the room, interrupted the kid who was talking, and started yelling at Kerry, demanding that his questions be heard. He started ranting about how Kerry talks in circles or something, and everyone was getting annoyed. The cops are all over him in no time and try to escort him out, but he starts yelling and resisting. Kerry insists that they let him stay and even agrees to answer his question.

After the interrupted guy's question was answered, Kerry keeps his promise and lets the angry guy talk. This is the point where people started taking their cameras and phones out. All the videos floating around youtube start around here. You can see in the videos that his questioning gets kind of inappropriate, so somebody cut his mic. Instead of shutting up, he starts yelling and making an even bigger scene. He struggled all the way up the aisle, and started violently trying to free himself. They threatened to taze him and he wouldnt stop fighting, so he got tazed. They only had to arrest him because he was causing a disruption and wouldn't leave peacefully. He wasn't being silenced for asking tough questions, trust me.

It's a shame that they had to taze the guy, but he had a chance to calm down and didn't take it. He probably didn't pose a physical threat to anybody in the room, but someone can't just hijack the floor of a forum like that and expect not to get kicked out. This wasn't some poor guy who was brutalized for trying to ask some tough questions. He's just an obnoxious guy who had a fit when there wasn't time for his questions and refused to be calm even when he was given the chance to speak. He was looking for trouble, and everyone applauded when he was forced to leave.

Nothing pisses me off more than hearing stories about power tripping cops abusing their power, unnecessarily tazing or arresting people, etc. It's a huge problem and I'm glad it's being discussed. Just don't mistake this for one of those cases."

Now you can buy the t-shirt...

http://hotair.cachefly.net/mm/taze.jpg